Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Magnetic \Mag*net"ic\, Magnetical \Mag*net"ic*al\, a. [L.
   magneticus: cf. F. magn['e]tique.]
   1. Pertaining to the magnet; possessing the properties of the
      magnet, or corresponding properties; as, a magnetic bar of
      iron; a magnetic needle.

   2. Of or pertaining to, or characterized by, the earth's
      magnetism; as, the magnetic north; the magnetic meridian.

   3. Capable of becoming a magnet; susceptible to magnetism;
      as, the magnetic metals.

   4. Endowed with extraordinary personal power to excite the
      feelings and to win the affections; attractive; inducing
      attachment.

            She that had all magnetic force alone. --Donne.

   5. Having, susceptible to, or induced by, animal magnetism,
      so called; as, a magnetic sleep. See {Magnetism}.

   {Magnetic amplitude}, {attraction}, {dip}, {induction}, etc.
      See under {Amplitude}, {Attraction}, etc.

   {Magnetic battery}, a combination of bar or horseshoe magnets
      with the like poles adjacent, so as to act together with
      great power.

   {Magnetic compensator}, a contrivance connected with a ship's
      compass for compensating or neutralizing the effect of the
      iron of the ship upon the needle.

   {Magnetic curves}, curves indicating lines of magnetic force,
      as in the arrangement of iron filings between the poles of
      a powerful magnet.

   {Magnetic elements}.
      (a) (Chem. Physics) Those elements, as iron, nickel,
          cobalt, chromium, manganese, etc., which are capable
          or becoming magnetic.
      (b) (Physics) In respect to terrestrial magnetism, the
          declination, inclination, and intensity.
      (c) See under {Element}.

   {Magnetic equator}, the line around the equatorial parts of
      the earth at which there is no dip, the dipping needle
      being horizontal.

   {Magnetic field}, or {Field of magnetic force}, any space
      through which magnet exerts its influence.

   {Magnetic fluid}, the hypothetical fluid whose existence was
      formerly assumed in the explanations of the phenomena of
      magnetism.

   {Magnetic iron}, or {Magnetic iron ore}. (Min.) Same as
      {Magnetite}.

   {Magnetic needle}, a slender bar of steel, magnetized and
      suspended at its center on a sharp-pointed pivot, or by a
      delicate fiber, so that it may take freely the direction
      of the magnetic meridian. It constitutes the essential
      part of a compass, such as the mariner's and the
      surveyor's.

   {Magnetic poles}, the two points in the opposite polar
      regions of the earth at which the direction of the dipping
      needle is vertical.

   {Magnetic pyrites}. See {Pyrrhotite}.

   {Magnetic storm} (Terrestrial Physics), a disturbance of the
      earth's magnetic force characterized by great and sudden
      changes.

   {Magnetic telegraph}, a telegraph acting by means of a
      magnet. See {Telegraph}.

Amplitude \Am"pli*tude\, n. [L. amplitudo, fr. amplus: cf. F.
   amplitude. See {Ample}.]
   1. State of being ample; extent of surface or space;
      largeness of dimensions; size.

            The cathedral of Lincoln . . . is a magnificent
            structure, proportionable to the amplitude of the
            diocese.                              --Fuller.

   2. Largeness, in a figurative sense; breadth; abundance;
      fullness.
      (a) Of extent of capacity or intellectual powers.
          ``Amplitude of mind.'' --Milton. ``Amplitude of
          comprehension.'' --Macaulay.
      (b) Of extent of means or resources. ``Amplitude of
          reward.'' --Bacon.

   3. (Astron.)
      (a) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west
          point and the center of the sun, or a star, at its
          rising or setting. At the rising, the amplitude is
          eastern or ortive: at the setting, it is western,
          occiduous, or occasive. It is also northern or
          southern, when north or south of the equator.
      (b) The arc of the horizon between the true east or west
          point and the foot of the vertical circle passing
          through any star or object.

   4. (Gun.) The horizontal line which measures the distance to
      which a projectile is thrown; the range.

   5. (Physics) The extent of a movement measured from the
      starting point or position of equilibrium; -- applied
      especially to vibratory movements.

   6. (math.) An angle upon which the value of some function
      depends; -- a term used more especially in connection with
      elliptic functions.

   {Magnetic amplitude}, the angular distance of a heavenly
      body, when on the horizon, from the magnetic east or west
      point as indicated by the compass. The difference between
      the magnetic and the true or astronomical amplitude (see 3
      above) is the ``variation of the compass.''